The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has released its Fall 2025 Grants Report, outlining 112 grants awarded to nonprofits across the Pacific Northwest. According to reporting by Vancouver Business Journal, the grants total $30,848,000, including $6,702,000 directed to organizations in Southwest Washington.

In a statement published on its official website, the Trust reported that the seasonal grant cycle continues its focus on education, scientific research, arts and culture programming, and community service organizations. While the Fall 2025 report lists recipients from across the region, the Trust noted that its funding priorities remain tied to long-term capacity-building and program expansion for local nonprofits.

Several grant recipients are based in counties along the lower Columbia River, a region where Murdock Trust funding has historically supported youth programming, healthcare initiatives, and educational institutions. Although the Fall 2025 report does not single out Cowlitz County recipients by name in the publicly available summary, the Trust’s past grant cycles have routinely included organizations serving Longview, Kelso, and surrounding communities.

According to the Trust, grants in this cycle reflect increased demand for general operating support and capital projects as community organizations continue navigating rising service needs, staffing pressures, and post-pandemic program rebuilding. The total number of grants reported for Fall 2025 is consistent with previous cycles, though the dollar amount marks a slight increase compared to several prior seasons.

Nonprofits in Cowlitz County seeking to understand eligibility or future opportunities may refer directly to application guidance published by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, which outlines program priorities, evaluation criteria, and funding categories.

Why this matters

Regional philanthropic funding plays a significant role in sustaining small and mid-size service organizations. In communities such as Longview and Kelso—where nonprofit programs frequently supplement public services in areas like youth development, mental health access, and food security—large institutional grants can influence whether organizations maintain, expand, or scale back services.

Because Cowlitz County does not host many major philanthropic institutions of its own, external regional funders such as the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust often shape the financial stability of local nonprofits. Tracking these award cycles helps clarify which types of programs and initiatives may see strengthened support in the coming year.

Sources

Vancouver Business Journal: M.J. Murdock Trust Announces Fall 2025 Grants

M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust: Fall 2025 Grants Report (official website)